Colombian President Gustavo Petro said Monday he does not recognize the results of the country's presidential election and suggested interference from Israel, according to a report circulated by Colombian media. The statement comes as right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella holds a narrow lead with vote counting ongoing, and Petro's denials were not accompanied by any evidence provided in the report. The outgoing president, who severed diplomatic ties with Israel in 2024 and repeatedly made anti-Israel statements, faces termination of his suspension by Colombia's congressional disciplinary committee on June 21.
Outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro refused to recognize the results of Sunday's presidential election and alleged Israeli interference, according to a report circulated by Colombian media early Monday. The statement comes as right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella holds a razor-thin lead over opponent Jorge Cepeda with vote counting ongoing, as The Zioneer reported earlier Monday.
Petro provided no evidence for the claim. The outgoing president — who severed diplomatic ties with Israel in May 2024, repeatedly compared the Jewish state to the Nazis, and posted "Heil Hitler" on social media — faces a June 21 end to his suspension by Colombia's congressional disciplinary committee, which suspended him earlier this month over concerns of election interference, as The Zioneer reported on June 10. Given Petro's record of anti-Israel rhetoric and the lack of supporting evidence, the allegation appears to be an attempt to cast doubt on the integrity of a vote that his preferred candidate appears to be losing.
- DevelopingColombia's congressional disciplinary committee suspends President Petro pending election-interference probe
- StrongDe la Espriella holds razor-thin lead in Colombia presidential race — AP
- StrongColombian president compares Israel to Nazis, Israeli envoy Danon hits back
- StrongIsraeli officials condemn Colombia president after 'Heil Hitler' post, Nazi comparisons
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